Intermat 2012 — A Look at Intermat

Come to Paris in April for Intermat 2012 to see what the construction industry has up its sleeves for 2012 and beyond.

Ahhh, springtime in Paris! Cobblerumble of construction equipment. That’s right; it’s time, once again, for Intermat, one of the largest construction industry shows in the world. Intermat 2012 will take place in Paris from April 16-21 at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte convention centre. Those who attend will get a chance to learn about all the latest construction trends and technology, spend time comparing notes and discussing issues with peers and experts from around the world, and get a look at the newest equipment and product offerings; all while enjoying the ambience and beauty of the historic city of Paris.

Map of Intermat booths at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte convention centre in Paris.

The show boasts 1,470 exhibitors in 375,000 square meters of exhibition space, including a 30,000-square-meter outdoor demonstration area where equipment will be in operation. The demonstrations will highlight four machines: backhoes, mini excavators, loaders, and graders. The exhibit area will feature several international pavilions, including China, Finland, Korea, North Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. More than 200,000 visitors are expected to attend, with 33 percent of those expected to be international visitors.

If you haven’t registered for the show yet, you better get on the ball. Early registration offers half-price rates for 30 Euros (approximately $38 U.S.). Rates at the show will be 60 Euros (approximately $76 U.S). Online registration is available at http://www.en.intermat.fr.

More than 200,000 construction industry representatives from all around the world are expected to attend Intermat this year.

One of the programs at Intermat spotlights the most innovative new products/equipment on display at the show. The Innovation Awards offer a high level of visibility for the winning companies with both the press and construction industry professionals. Entries are presented by the exhibitors, and winners are selected by a jury of European specialists prior to Intermat. This year’s results were announced on Jan. 13. Winners include the following:

If you haven’t already booked your flight, you should do so immediately. Air France is offering a special rate for those who book online. Just go to www.airfranceklm-globalmeetings.com and enter the Intermat Event ID Code, 12542AF. The special rates are valid throughout the entire show.

The Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition centre is 30 minutes from Paris by RER B and 10 minutes from the Charles de Gaulle airport. Daily free shuttles are available from the Charles de Gaulle airport to the exhibition centre from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., leaving every 30 minutes. There is also free shuttle service from Gare du Nord, Orly Airport, and Gare Montparnasse to the exhibition centre. Schedules weren’t available at Aggregates Manager press time, but should be available soon on the Intermat website at http://en.intermat.fr.

For taking in the sights around Paris or heading out to dinner, the bus is one of the best ways to travel. The numerous bus lines cross the centre, run parallel to the Seine, and pass through historic districts. Another good way to get around the city is the Paris Metro. This subway system runs from 5:30 a.m. until 12:40 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 a.m. to 1:40 a.m. Friday and Saturday. If you’re not in a hurry, try the Batobus. This river bus allows visitors to hop on and off as it cruises up and down the Seine River with stops at the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Musee d-Orsay, Louvre, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Notre Dame, Hotel de Ville, and Jardin des Plantes. In April, boats run every 15 to 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. If none of these options appeal to you, there are 15,000 taxis operating in the city that can take you anywhere you want to go. The main taxi companies are: Taxis G7 (www.taxisg7.fr), Alpha Taxis (www.alphataxis.fr), Taxis Bleus (www.taxis-bleus.fr), and Moto-Taxis (www.city-bird.com).

It doesn’t matter how you plan to get around in Paris, just get there. AM